Dr. Robert Harkness

The Harkness group studies the dynamics of biological molecules toward better understanding how these influence human health and disease. Broadly, our areas of interest include:

(1) How biological macromolecules self-assemble, for example oligomeric protein “machines” that perform reactions as required by the cell, or non-canonical nucleic acid structures such as G-quadruplexes that regulate gene expression

(2) The mechanisms of biomolecular recognition, e.g. allostery in modulation of the interactions between proteins and ligands

(3) The relationship between structural dynamics and biological activity

In pursuit of answers to these questions, members of the research group gain extensive hands-on expertise in multiple preparative and analytical modalities. Notable examples are biomolecule production and purification (for example, proteins and DNA or RNA), ligand binding and activity assays using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and fluorescence, conformational dynamics measurements via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and computer modeling of biophysical and other kinds of data with programming languages such as Python.

By working in the group, trainees will establish a well-rounded skillset featuring experimental and computational methods for biophysical research. This will prepare graduates for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, consulting, and data science, among other fields. Most importantly, students will develop a framework for thinking about and quantitatively modelling the behaviour of biomolecules and the world around us.